WHAT TO grow and eat now in melbourne
What to plant and harvest in your kitchen garden every season (summer, autumn, winter, spring). Our recommendations are for those gardening in Melbourne, and the temperate climate of south-eastern Australia. Our Nursery specialises in gardening with edibles and natives.
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It’s getting hot, hot, hot. Check out our seasonal gardening advice page for some strategies to keep your young plants alive in the intense summer heat.
Plant | Planting method |
Basil | Plant seedling |
Beans (Bush) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Beans (Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Beetroot* | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Brussels sprouts | Plant seedling |
Carrot* | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Celery | Plant seedling |
Chamomile | Plant seed or seedling – see our grow guide here! |
Chives | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
Cucumber | Plant seedling |
Cucamelon | Plant seedling |
Finger lime | Plant |
Lemon Balm | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling (part shade recommended) |
Lemon Myrtle | Plant |
Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Midyim Berry | Plant |
Mint | Plant seedling |
Oregano | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Parsley | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Passionfruit | Plant vine |
Radish* | Sow seed |
Rocket | Plant seedling |
Rosemary | Plant seedling |
Sage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Silverbeet | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spinach (Malabar Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Sweetcorn | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Vietnamese mint | Plant seedling |
Zucchini | Plant seedling |
* Root veggies can be grown in the warmer summer months, but will require more attention. They have high water requirements to germinate seeds and to grow happily – holding off until March to plant may be a good idea.
What we’re harvesting now
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Asian greens, Beetroot, Green beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chillies, Cucumber, Corn, Daikon, Eggplant, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Radish, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet) Spring onions, Tomatoes, Zucchini.
Fruits
Berries (strawberries, raspberries and blackberries), Stone Fruits (apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines and cherries), Grapes, Figs, Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew), Rhubarb, Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits).
Plant | Planting method |
Beans (Bush) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Beans (Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Beetroot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Broccoli | Sow seed |
Brussel Sprouts | Plant seedling |
Cabbage | Sow seed |
Carrot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Chamomile | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Chives | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
Finger lime | Plant |
Leeks | Sow seed |
Lemon Balm | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Lemon Myrtle | Plant |
Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Midyim Berry | Plant |
Mint | Plant seedling |
Onion | Sow seed |
Oregano | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Parsley | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Radish | Sow seed |
Rosemary | Plant seedling |
Sage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Silverbeet | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spinach (Malabar Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Sweetcorn | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Vietnamese mint | Plant seedling |
* Root veggies can be grown in the warmer summer months, but will require more attention. They have high water requirements to germinate seeds and to grow happily – holding off until March to plant may be a good idea.
What we’re harvesting now
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Asian greens, Beetroot, Green beans, Broccoli, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chillies, Cucumber, Corn, Daikon, Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet), Peas, Pumpkin, Radish, Spring onions, Tomatoes, Zucchini.
Fruits
Apples (early varieties like Gala and Granny Smith), Avocados, Berries (strawberries, raspberries and blackberries), Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits), Figs, Grapes, Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew), Passionfruit, Stone Fruits (apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines and cherries).
Herbs
Basil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme.
Now is time to make the most of any residual summer warmth and action your autumn garden plans. Check out our seasonal gardening advice for a breakdown of the jobs to do this month.
Plant | Planting method |
Beans (Bush) | Plant seedling |
Beetroot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Broad Beans | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Cabbage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Carrot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Cauliflower | Plant seedling |
Chamomile | Plant seed or seedling – see our grow guide here! |
Chives | Plant seedling |
Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
Dill | Sow seed or plant seedlings |
Finger lime | Plant |
Garlic | Plant seed garlic – see our grow guide here! |
Kale | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Leeks | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Lemon Myrtle | Plant tree |
Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Midyim Berry | Plant |
Mint | Plant |
Mustard Greens | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Onion | Plant seedling |
Pak Choy | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Parsley | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Peas | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Radish | Sow seed |
Rocket | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Sage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Shallot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Silverbeet | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spinach | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Turnip | Sow seed |
Vietnamese mint | Plant seedling |
Warrigal greens | Plant seedlings |
What we’re harvesting now
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Asian greens, Beetroot, Green beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Chillies, Cucumber, Corn, Daikon, Eggplant, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet), Peas, Pumpkin, Radish, Spring onions, Tomatoes, Zucchini.
Fruit
Apples, Avocados, Berries (strawberries, raspberries and blackberries), Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits), Figs, Grapes, Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew), Pears, Stone Fruits (apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines and cherries).
Herbs
Basil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme.
Get your winter veg in the ground ASAP so they have some time to establish before it gets really cold. Check out our seasonal gardening advice for a breakdown of the jobs to do this month.
Plant | Planting method |
Beetroot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Broad Beans | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Broccoli | Plant seedling |
Cabbage | Plant seedling |
Carrot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Cauliflower | Plant seedling |
Chamomile | Plant seed or seedling – see our grow guide here! |
Chives | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
Coriander | Sow seed or plant seedlings |
Dill | Sow seed or plant seedlings |
Finger lime | Plant |
Garlic | Plant seed garlic – see our grow guide here! |
Kale | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Leeks | Plant seedling |
Lemon Myrtle | Plant tree |
Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Midyim Berry | Plant |
Mint | Plant |
Mustard Greens | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Onion | Plant seedling |
Pak Choy | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Parsley | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Peas | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Radish | Sow seed |
Rocket | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Sage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Shallot | Plant seedling |
Silverbeet | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spinach | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spring Onion | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Turnip | Sow seed |
Vietnamese mint | Plant seedling |
Warrigal greens | Plant seedlings |
What we’re harvesting now
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Asian greens, Beetroot, Green beans, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Celery, Chillies, Cucumber, Corn, Daikon, Eggplant, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet), Peas, Pumpkin, Radish, Spring onions, Tomatoes, Zucchini.
Fruit
Apples, Avocados, Berries (strawberries, raspberries and blackberries), Chestnuts, Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits), Feijoas, Figs, Grapes, Kiwi Fruit, Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew), Pears, Persimmons, Pomegranates, Stone Fruits (plums), Quince.
Herbs
Basil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme.
| Plant | Planting method |
| Beetroot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Broad Beans | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Broccoli | Plant seedling |
| Cabbage | Plant seedling |
| Carrot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Cauliflower | Plant seedling |
| Chamomile | Plant seed or seedling – see our grow guide here! |
| Chives | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
| Coriander | Sow seed or plant seedlings |
| Dill | Sow seed or plant seedlings |
| Finger lime | Plant |
| Garlic | Plant seed garlic – see our grow guide here! |
| Kale | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Leeks | Plant seedling |
| Lemon Myrtle | Plant tree |
| Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Midyim Berry | Plant |
| Mint | Plant |
| Mustard Greens | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Onion | Plant seedling |
| Pak Choy | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Parsley | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Peas | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Potatoes | Sow seed potato (only in frost-free areas) |
| Radish | Sow seed |
| Rocket | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Sage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Shallot | Plant seedling |
| Silverbeet | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Spinach | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Spring Onion | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Turnip | Sow seed |
| Vietnamese mint | Plant seedling |
| Warrigal greens | Plant seedlings |
What we’re harvesting now
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Asian greens, Beetroot, Green beans, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Celery, Chillies, Cucumber, Corn, Daikon, Eggplant, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet), Parsnips, Peas, Pumpkin, Radish, Spring onions.
Fruit
Apples, Avocados, Berries (strawberries, raspberries and blackberries), Chestnuts, Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits), Feijoas, Grapes, Kiwi Fruit, Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew), Pears, Persimmons, Pomegranates, Quince.
Herbs
Basil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme.
The Winter Solstice approaches. This is when bare-rooted fruit and nut trees start to arrive in the CERES Nursery. They are dormant in winter, making it the perfect time to plant. Check out our seasonal gardening advice for a breakdown of the jobs to do this month.
Plant | Planting method |
Apple | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Apricot | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Asparagus | Plant crown |
Beetroot | Plant seedling |
Blackberry | Plant bare-rooted cane |
Blueberry | Plant shrub |
Boysonberry | Plant bare-rooted cane |
Broad Beans | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Carrot | Plant seedling |
Chamomile | Plant seed or seedling – see our grow guide here! |
Cherry | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Chives | Plant seedling |
Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
Coriander | Sow seed or plant seedlings |
Currants | Plant bare-rooted plant |
Dill | Sow seed or plant seedlings |
Elderberry | Plant bare-rooted plant |
Fig | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Finger lime | Plant |
Garlic | Plant seed garlic – see our grow guide here! |
Gooseberry | Plant bare-rooted plant |
Jostaberry | Plant bare-rooted cane |
Kale | Plant seedling |
Kiwi | Plant bare-rooted plant |
Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Leeks | Plant seedling |
Lemon Myrtle | Plant tree |
Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Midyim Berry | Plant |
Mint | Plant |
Mulberry | Plant bare-rooted plant |
Mustard Greens | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Nectarine | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Onion | Plant seedling |
Pak Choy | Plant seedling |
Parsley | Plant seedling |
Peach | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Pear | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Peas | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Persimmon | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Plum | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Pomegranate | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Potatoes | Sow seed potato (only in frost-free areas) |
Quince | Plant bare-rooted tree |
Radish | Sow seed |
Raspberry | Plant bare-rooted cane |
Rhubarb | Plant crown or plant |
Rocket | Plant seedling |
Sage | Plant seedling |
Shallot | Plant seedling |
Silverbeet | Plant seedling |
Spinach | Plant seedling |
Spring Onion | Plant seedling |
Strawberries | Plant seedlings or runners |
Turnip | Sow seed |
Vietnamese mint | Plant seedling |
Youngberry | Plant bare-rooted cane |
What we’re harvesting now
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Asian greens, Beetroot,Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Celeriac, Chillies, Daikon, Eggplant, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet, Spinach), Parsnips, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radish, Spring onion, Swede, Turnip.
Fruit
Apples, Avocados, Chestnuts, Citrus (lemons, limes, grapefruits, mandarins, oranges, tangelos), Feijoas, Kiwi Fruit, Pears, Pomegranates, Quince, Rhubarb.
Herbs
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
What we’re planting
| Plant | Planting method |
| Artichoke (Globe) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Basil | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Beans (Bush) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Beans (Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Beetroot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Capsicum | Plant seedling |
| Carrot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Celery | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Chervil | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Chilli | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Chives | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
| Coriander | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Cucumber | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Cucamelon | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Eggplant | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Finger lime | Plant |
| Gourd | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Jerusalem Artichoke | Plant tubers (keep in pot as can become a weed) |
| Lemon Balm | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Lemon Myrtle | Plant seedling |
| Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Midyim Berry (like a native blueberry) | Plant |
| Mizuna | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Mustard Greens | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Okra | Plant seed |
| Oca (NZ Yam) | Plant tubers |
| Oregano | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Parsley | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Parsnip | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Passionfruit | Plant vine |
| Potato | Plant seed potatoes – see our potato grow guide! |
| Pumpkin | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Radish | Sow seed |
| Rhubarb | Plant plants |
| Rocket | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Rockmelon | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Sage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Silverbeet | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Spinach (Malabar Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Spring Onions | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Sweetcorn | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Tomato | Sow seeds and Plant seedling – see our tomato growing guides! |
| Vietnamese mint | Plant cutting |
| Watermelon | Sow seed or plant seedling |
| Zucchini | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Please note: Availability and suppliers change and we may not have everything listed in stock. Please call the CERES Nursery on 9389 0111 to check availability.
What we’re harvesting
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Vegetables
Artichoke (Globe), Asian greens, Asparagus, Beetroot, Green beans, Broad beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Daikon, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Radish, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet, Mustard Greens) Spring onions, Swede, Turnips.
What we’re planting
Plant | Planting method |
Artichoke (Globe) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Basil | Plant seed or seedling |
Beans (Bush) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Beans (Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Beetroot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Capsicum | Plant seedling |
Carrot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Celery | Plant seedling |
Chervil | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Chilli | Plant seedling |
Chives | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
Coriander | Plant seedling |
Cucumber | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Cucamelon | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Eggplant | Plant seedling |
Finger lime | Plant |
Gourd | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Jerusalem Artichoke | Plant tubers (must keep in pot as can become a weed) |
Lemon Balm | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Leeks | Plant seedlings |
Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Lemon Myrtle | Plant |
Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Midyim Berry (like a native blueberry) | Plant |
Okra | Plant seed |
Oca (NZ Yam) | Plant tubers |
Oregano | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Parsley | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Parsnip | Plant seed |
Passionfruit | Plant vine |
Potato | Plant seed potatoes – see our potato grow guide! |
Pumpkin | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Radish | Sow seed |
Rocket | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Rockmelon | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Sage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Silverbeet | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spinach (Malabar Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spring Onions | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Sweetcorn | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Tomatillo | Plant seedling (you’ll need two for pollination) |
Tomato | Plant seedling – see our tomato growing guides! |
Vietnamese mint | Plant seedling |
Watermelon | Plant seedling |
Zucchini | Plant seed or seedling |
Please note: Availability and suppliers change and we may not have everything listed in stock. Please call the CERES Nursery on 9389 0111 to check availability.
What we’re harvesting
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Vegetables
Artichoke (Globe), Asian greens, Asparagus, Beetroot, Green beans, Broad beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Daikon, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Radish, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet, Mustard Greens) Spring onions, Swede, Turnips.
You haven’t missed your chance to get some summer veg in the ground, yet. They can have a long growing season, so planting seedlings will help you make up for lost time. CERES Nursery has a huge range of organic seedlings planted right here and raised organically to help you on your way.
What we’re planting
Plant | Planting method |
Basil | Plant seedling |
Beans (Bush) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Beans (Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Beetroot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Brussels sprouts | Sow seed |
Capsicum | Plant seedling |
Carrot | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Celery | Plant seedling |
Chilli | Plant seedling |
Chives | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Citrus (Lemon, Lime, Orange) | Plant tree |
Cucumber | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Cucamelon | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Eggplant | Plant seedling |
Finger lime | Plant |
Gourd | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Lemon Balm | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Leeks | Plant seedlings |
Lettuce | Sow seed or plant seedling (part shade recommended) |
Lemon Myrtle | Plant |
Marjoram | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Midyim Berry (like a native blueberry) | Plant |
Oregano | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Parsley | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Passionfruit | Plant vine |
Potato | Plant seed potatoes – see our potato grow guide! |
Pumpkin | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Radish | Sow seed |
Rocket | Plant seedling |
Rockmelon | Plant seedling |
Sage | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Silverbeet | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spinach (Malabar Climbing) | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Spring Onions | Plant seedling |
Sweetcorn | Sow seed or plant seedling |
Tomatillo | Plant seedling (you’ll need two for pollination) |
Tomato | Plant seedling – see our tomato growing guides! |
Vietnamese mint | Plant seedling |
Watermelon | Plant seedling |
Zucchini | Plant seedling |
Please note: Availability and suppliers change and we may not have everything listed in stock. Please call the CERES Nursery on 9389 0111 to check availability.
What we’re harvesting
Click for seasonal recipes from CERES Fair Food
Vegetables
Asian greens, Asparagus, Beetroot, Green beans, Broad beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Daikon, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Radish, Leafy greens (Kale, Chard, Rocket, Silverbeet) Spring onions, Swede, Tomatoes, Zucchini.
Herbs
Basil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme.
Fruit
Berries (strawberries, raspberries and blackberries), Stone Fruits (apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines and cherries), Grapes, Figs, Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew), Rhubarb, Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits).
CONTACT
CERES Nursery enquiry
First Nations cultural food plants
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